Get Ready to Make Apple Slices
First, get a baking sheet and cover it with wax paper or parchment paper. Put it to the side for now.
Slice the Apples (Ask an adult for help!)
Ask an adult to help you wash your apples. Then, ask the adult to carefully slice the apples into pieces about as thick as your finger (1/2 inch). Make sure the slices are thick enough to hold a popsicle stick. You should get about 3 to 5 slices from each apple.
Add Popsicle Sticks (Ask an adult for help!)
Ask an adult to carefully cut a small slit into the bottom of each apple slice with a sharp knife. Then, slide a popsicle stick into each slit.
Dry the Apple Slices
Use a paper towel to gently pat both sides of each apple slice. This helps remove any water so the chocolate and caramel can stick better. Take out any seeds you see. Lay the apple slices on your prepared baking sheet.
Melt the Chocolate (Ask an adult for help!)
Put the melting chocolate in a small bowl that is safe for the microwave. Ask an adult to help you microwave it for 30 seconds. Stir the chocolate. Keep microwaving for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time, until the chocolate is all melted and smooth. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate, and watch it closely so it doesn't burn!
Cover Apples with Chocolate
Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the melted chocolate on top of each apple slice. Let the chocolate get hard. If it's taking a long time, you can ask an adult to put the baking sheet in the fridge for a minute.
Make the Caramel Sauce (Ask an adult for help!)
Unwrap the soft caramels and put them in your second small microwave-safe bowl. Ask an adult to help you microwave them for 30 seconds. Stir the caramels. Keep microwaving for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time, until the caramel is melted. Be careful, the caramel will be very hot! Then, ask an adult to help you drizzle in the heavy cream and stir until the caramel mixture is smooth.
Cover Apples with Caramel
Use a spoon to spread the warm caramel on top of the chocolate layer on each apple slice. Try not to get the caramel too close to the edges of the apple. If you see any big air bubbles, you can gently pop them with a fork.
Add Toppings
While the caramel is still warm and sticky, quickly sprinkle chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or any other yummy toppings you like on top of the caramel. Remember, some kids might not like sea salt or be allergic to nuts, so you can skip those if you want!
Keep Apples Fresh
To help keep the apple slices from turning brown, use a pastry brush to put a little bit of lemon juice on any parts of the apple that don't have chocolate or caramel on them.
Chill and Enjoy!
Put the apple slices in the fridge until you are ready to eat them. Then, enjoy your delicious caramel apple slices!